Christmas Coach Trips: Why August Isn’t Too Early to Start Planning

It might only be August, but when it comes to planning a festive day out or Christmas break, it’s never too early to start looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas trips are always popular, whether you love browsing the markets, getting the Christmas shopping ticked off your list or simply enjoying a few days away with great food, entertainment and festive atmosphere.

Booking early means you have a better chance of securing the trip you really want and, most importantly, you can relax knowing your Christmas day out is already organised.

Why Book Your Christmas Coach Trip Early?

The weeks leading up to Christmas can become incredibly busy. Between shopping, family plans, Christmas parties and everything else that comes with December, finding time for a festive getaway can sometimes be easier said than done.

Booking your coach trip in advance means you already have a date in the diary to look forward to. Travelling by coach also takes away so much of the hassle. There’s no worrying about driving, finding parking or navigating busy roads. Simply find your seat, settle in and enjoy the journey.

At JJ Travel, we have a fantastic selection of festive trips coming up this November and December, from Christmas shopping days to markets and overnight breaks.

Christmas Shopping at Dundrum – Saturday 21st November

Fancy getting a head start on the Christmas shopping?

Join us for a trip to Dundrum Town Centre on Saturday 21st November for just €29 per person.

With a huge selection of shops, restaurants and cafés all in one place, Dundrum is the perfect destination for ticking off your Christmas shopping list and maybe picking up a little treat for yourself while you’re there!

Best of all, you can shop without worrying about driving home afterwards.

Turkey & Tinsel in Westport – 29th November to 3rd December

If you're ready to really get into the festive spirit, our Turkey & Tinsel break in Westport could be just what you're looking for.

Running from 29th November to 3rd December and priced at €450 per person sharing, this festive getaway includes:

• A visit to Galway Christmas Market

• A visit to Knock

• Luxury coach travel

• Christmas dinner

• Entertainment each night

• Breakfast and evening meals

• Local pick-up points around Louth

  
  

It’s a brilliant opportunity to enjoy a proper festive break before the Christmas rush begins, with plenty of entertainment, sightseeing and great company along the way.

Belfast Christmas Market – 12th & 19th December

Few things say Christmas quite like a traditional Christmas market. This December, we’ll be heading to Belfast Christmas Market on both Saturday 12th December and Saturday 19th December, with trips priced at just €25 per person.

Set in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the market is the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls, enjoy delicious food and drinks and pick up some last-minute Christmas presents.

With two dates available, you can choose whichever works best for your December plans.

Christmas in Killarney – 14th to 17th December

Want to make your festive getaway last a little longer? Join JJ Travel for Christmas in Killarney from 14th–17th December, priced at €399 per person sharing.

The three-night break includes:

• Breakfast and dinner

• A gala festive dinner

• Drinks reception

• Entertainment each night

  
  

Killarney is a beautiful destination at any time of year, but there's something particularly special about visiting during the festive season. With the town dressed for Christmas and plenty of entertainment included in your stay, it's the ideal way to enjoy a few relaxing days away before Christmas Day arrives.

Make Christmas 2026 One to Look Forward To

Whether your ideal festive day out involves filling the shopping bags, wandering through a Christmas market or enjoying a few nights away with dinner and entertainment, there’s something for everyone in the JJ Travel Christmas programme.

And while August might feel early to start thinking about Christmas, popular trips and dates can fill up quickly, so getting organised now means there’s one less thing to think about later in the year.

Ready to plan your festive trip? Take a look at our upcoming Christmas coach trips and book your place with JJ Travel today.